William Holland Thomas papers

Descriptive Summary
Title: William Holland Thomas papers
Creator: Thomas, William Holland, 1805-1893
Inclusive Dates: 1840-1875
Language(s): English
Extent: 0.6 Linear Feet (1 document box, 1 small artifact box)
Collection Number: ms234
Repository: Hargrett Library

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Collection Description

Historical Note

William Holland Thomas (1805-1893), North Carolina State Senator, Colonel in Civil War, only white man to serve as Cherokee Chief (Wil-Usidi). Thomas served as agent and trustee of the Cherokee Indians.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of the papers of William H. Thomas from 1840-1875. Includes correspondence, legal documents, printed materials, maps (reproductions), and newspaper clippings concerning the acquisition of the Eastern Cherokee Indian Reservation and the title of the Indians within and without the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina. The collection also contains a copy of the full account of this transaction and an account of the suit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians vs. William H. Thomas et al.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

William H. Thomas papers, ms234, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding aid prepared on: 2009 June 16.

General Notes

Selected documents are also available online as part of the Southeastern Native American Documents database.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

1. Letters and Documents

box

folder

Request box

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House Exec. Document 128, 2d Ses. Vol 29, retitled of Indians to Qualla Boundary

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Letters and Documents, 1840

Census Report, 1835-1840

Records the heads of families, number of families, deaths from 1835-1840, place of residence in 1840, 348 individuals included, 82 heads of families.

Letter from J. L. Moore, Franklin, N. C., to Mr. William Thomas, January, 1840

Leaving for Charleston in a few days and has some money he would be glad to pay on Thomas's note in Augusta or Charleston, if Thomas would pay the same amount on Moore's note in Philadelphia before he leaves Washington. All Thomas's friends are well as far as Moore knows.

Memorandum of Business Transactions, April 21-23, 1840

List of numerous notes paid Thomas during a three-day trip. Amounts range from $1.87 to $223.00.

Letter from Nicholas S. Peele, Mount Vernon, Tenn., to William Thomas, Washington City, D. C., June 19, 1840 Access Online

Thomas's lawyer in Tennessee reports he has received the $50 sent by Thomas and discusses the claims of young Wolf and Mink. Reviews the conditions of the 1817 removal and A. Jackson's failure to reimburse the indians.

Settlement between William Thomas and John Tatham, September 8, 1840

Contains breakdown of financial dealings to that date.

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Letters and Documents, 1841

Letter from J. K. Rogers, Washington City, D. C., to William Thomas, Scotts Creek, Haywood County, N. C., September 23, 1841 Access Online

Letter written by J. K. Rogers to William H. Thomas, dated September 23, 1841, concerning the appointment of (Thomas C. Hindman?) to direct the Cherokees in North Carolina westward

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Letters and Documents, 1843

Letter from Hartley Crawfield, War Department, Office of Indian Affairs, to William Thomas, Washington City, D. C., November 14, 1843 Access Online

Refers to claims of Abraham (?) against John Brown for $34.50 against Hiram McCrany for $74.50.

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Letters and Documents, 1844

Letter from W. B. Reeves, Treasury Department, Second Auditor's Office, Washington, D. C., to W. H. Thomas, Esq., Attorney, Po.

Notified that he is to be paid $214.27 for J. W. King for boarding indians to be paid to Thomas.

Letter from General Duff Green, New York, to William Thomas (?), June 25, 1844

Thanks for $200 which came at an opportune time. Will leave next morning if possible. William Peers to go with him.

Letter from William Thomas, to Major General Winfield Scott, Commander in Chief, War Department, July 5, 1844 Access Online

Refers to Thomas's claim for expenses for helping Colonel William S. Foster capture a Cherokee (Charley) and his band after they had murdered four soldiers.

Letter from Felix Aschley, Ropeville, to William Thomas, July 30, 1844

Refers to payment for right of way for turnpike to Joseph Viper, J. Jones, Keenan, Thomas Watson. Note Attached: group of indians request that Thomas handle their claims. Plans to come to Washington after court at Murphy.

Letter from War Office, Washington, D. C., August 15, 1844

Report on Cherokee claims, advises that Secretary of War has no jurisdiction. All claims should be turned over to the Second Auditor and Comptroller, ''who are the proper officers appointed by law to decide such claims."

Letter from Second Auditor's Office, Treasury Department, W. B. Lewis (?), to William Wilkins, Secretary of War, August 22, 1844 Access Online

Has no objection to paying the claims of Thomas "for the value of provisions and clothing furnished poor and destitute Cherokees in 1836 before a disbursing agent was sent out by the government;" however, he sites a case in 1838 when such a claim was paid with approval of Treasurer. Returns Thomas's claim for such action as Secretary of War sees fit. Note on Outside of Letter: William B. Lewis sees no reason why the claim should not be paid.

Letter from William Wilkins, Secretary of War (1844-1845) under President Polk, to William H. Thomas, August 26, 1844

Has no funds to pay Thomas's claim but in attached memo points out under Article 8 no cash money is authorized to give Indians. Delay of making claim may have injured Thomas though he is satisfied.

Letter from Robert Rose, New Orleans, to William Thomas, Washington, D. C., December 3, 1844

Reports he has been in town only a day or two after "a tedious, unfortunate journey" in which he came close to losing his life when his ship, the Steamer Warrior, sank. No lives lost, but he did lose the $300 note "executed to me by you" and warns against anyone cashing it without his permission. Has already been to Mobile to begin an investigation of the claim "in which we are interested there." May be necessary to undergo a great deal more labor and study. As determined that one tract of 2,000 acres of good land near the Mississippi River in Louisiana can be recovered without a great deal of expense. The "8,000" will be made good more easily than supposed. Requests money, apologizes for asking so early.

Letter from Memorial of William H. Thomas, to Senate and House of Representatives of the Congress of United States, December 18, 1844

Contains a summary of Thomas's claim for payment of supplies he provided to starving Cherokees in 1835 after crops were destroyed. On Outside of Letter: December 23, 1844--referred to the Commission on Indian Affairs. 1845, February 17--Bill reported to Senate 136; 1846, January 8--Referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs; 1846, March 2--Report adverse; 1846, April 7--Considered and resolved, agreed to

Letter from The Cherokee of Qualla Town, to William H. Thomas, December 25, 1844

Power of AttorneyDated June 5, 1846 when it was certified by Josia F. Polk, Acting Auditor, Treasury Department (Copy of the answer on file in the Second Auditor's Office); Power of Attorney from the Cherokee Indians of Qualla Town, for William Thomas, Dated December 25, 1844. Note: When signed, to be sent to Secretary of War to be filed.

Letter from John L. Yarroll. Long Savannah, to William Thomas, Washington, D. C., December 26, 1844

Asks that Thomas press his claim as a citizen of North Carolina. Sent all the additional proof he promissed, explains why delayed.

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Letters and Documents, 1845

Letter from Cannuskeeska, Qualla Town, N. C., to William Thomas, Washington City, D. C., January 15, 1845

Requests that Thomas handle his claim; reports that some of the indians in his section are getting James Caton to handle their claim but feels they will regret this.

Copy of Resolution, January 10, 1845

Passed by Legislature of North Carolina, signed by Speaker of the House of Commons, Edwin Stanley; Speaker of the Senate, Burgess S. Garther; certified to be a live copy by William Hill, Secretary of State. Resolved that Senators and Representatives were to use their influence to obtain a speedy settlement of the indian claim of the indians residing in the state and belonging to the Town of Qualla and Buffalo. A copy to be sent to all state Senators and Representatives in Congress. Certified on January 11, 1845, and By William A. Graham, Governor of North Carolina and affixed with state seal.

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Letters and Documents, 1846

Letter from William H. Thomas, Washington City D. C., to Major General Winfield Scott, Commander in Chief, U. S. Army, March 9, 1846

Reports that the letter Scott wrote him, offering his aid in supplying the Cherokees in 1835 lost from the files of the Senate. Asks for copies or extract of such parts which may be on file with him. To refresh Scott's Memory, Thomas reviews his part in helping Colonel W. S. Foster capture and punish the indian murderes, Charlie, and his band.

Letter from Thomas S. Fortune, Frankfort, Kentucky, to William Thomas, Washington D. C., December 21, 1846

Unable to pay $100 at 1% interest he has borrowed. His father to mortgage three of the blacks, but hasn't had time yet to get money would have been better to have borrowed $500 at 25% than the way it worked out. Regrets causing any trouble.

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Letters and Documents, 1847

Letter from Richard Muckle, Public Ledger Office, Philadelphia, to Mr. Preston Starritt, Washington, D. C., July 19, 1847

Not having copies of the article requested, he has received permission to clip the enclosed article from the newspaper's private file. Article gives some background on the Cherokee Board of Commission which is about to expire.

Letter from Susan Kelchule, Murphy, N. C., to Cashier of the Bank of the Metropolis, Washington, D. C., July 27, 1847

Certified and witnessed on July 27 by John Simson. Order the bank to pay from his account funds to specified individuals to cover debts.

Letter from Benjamin Smith, Washington, D. C., to Richard Smith, Cashier, Bank Metropolis, Washington, D. C., August 30, 1847

Enclosed Susan Kelchule's letter ordering payment to William Thomas. General Eaton objects to the payment, states terms of compromise settlement between William Tate, Kelchule, and Thomas. States reason for Eaton's apportion, and background of law suit from which the case arose.

Deed from William H. Thomas, to Dr. Charles M. Hitchock, September 4, 1847

Hitchcock paid $297 78/100 for his interest in several tracts of land in Cherokee County, N. C., total area 1,815½acres sold for $646.52 in September, 1838.

Letter from Benjamin Green, Washington D. C., to William H. Thomas, Murphy, Cherokee County, N. C., October 23, 1847

Concerns Green's trip to New York and Prividence, largely personal matters. P.S. advises Thomas to get there before Congress opens.

Land transfer between William Thomas and Riley Blanton, November 22, 1847

Thomas deeds to Blanton 2 tracts of land in Haywood County for $620 in notes to be paid for in 6 years in 6 installments

Letter from Osakill (his mark), Qualla Town; written by George Mason, to Benjamin C. Green, probably Washington, D. C., December 3, 1847

Order to pay $200 to Samuel P. Sherrill on an account made in his favor by the Cherokee Commissioner, subject to a discount of $61.71 which he owned for board (?) "bill and cost you and William A. Thomas furnish me with before I leave Washington."

Letter from William H. Thomas, Station Old Field, to William Calvord, Valley River, December 4, 1847

Enclosed with repayment of $253.10 from Calvord to George W. Hays by Jacob Abernathy. Asks the money to be returned to Abernathy with his thanks.

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Letters and Documents, 1848

Letter from Duff Green, Washington, D. C., to William H. Thomas, Qualla Town, N. C., May, 1848

He passed a resolution directing the committee in Indian Affairs of the House to examine the claim of the main River Cherokees for mistakes. They report advising an appropriation of about $53.33 each to be placed for one or many emigrates. But in the mean time, will be paid over to them annually commencing with the date of the treaty. This gave "about 70% of the whole sum now and enable you to draw annual 6%" of the principle and there was some opposition by some of the Committee, he felt they should accept this. Refers to the process of getting the resolution through the House and Senate.

Census of Cherokees remaining in North Carolina

Deed to the Cherokee to be used in settlement with them. The claims were allowed by not all fees were paid. Number of power of attorney filed. Contains names and heads of families, number in each family, register of payments, balance due for improvements, under the 9th and 10th articles, Commutation for removal and subsistance under the 8th and 10th articles, number of reservations, among allowed by commission order 13th article, per capita provided by 12th and 15th articles.

Letter from W. Medill, War Department Office Indian Affairs, to J. C. Murllany, Office of Indian Affairs, August 26, 1848

Authorizes Mullany to conduct census of Cherokees remaining in North Carolina and gives him basic instructions to proceed.

Copy of Deed, October 16, 1848

William Thomas sells to Daniel P. Adams a tract of land in Cherokee County, N. C., district No. 7, Tract No. 14, containing 204 acres for $100 not paid notice or bond dated October 17, 1866. Verifies the copy of October 17, 1866, from Thomas stating he is ready to comply with the transaction.

Letter from William Thomas, Raleigh, N. C., to Dr. Charles M. Hitchcock, Savannah, Georgia, November 25, 1848

Concerns the purchase of grants of land for the state, covers the practical manouver in House and Senate over the Speaker, H. R. and notes equal division of parties, his position, further political comments. Reports Tayler got a large majority on his district.

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Letters and Documents, 1849

Letter from Benjamin Green, Washington, D. C., to William Thomas, February 1, 1849

Supreme Court upholds title 7 to 1 in Henderson and Callaway Vs. Tennessee case--covers the reason for losing the case, questioned whether they had sufficiently set forth that this claim was a treaty of the U. S.

Letter from Benjamin E. Green, Attorney for Thomas, Washington City, D. C., to A. K. Parris, Second Comptroller of the Treasury, May 3, 1849

Notified that Nathaniel Peak, one of the Cherokees entitled to the benefit of the section of the Ad & Congress July 25, 1848, had made application for payment. William Thomas holds power of attorney for Peak, Protest against paying of the arrears due to any one but William Thomas.

Letter from Benjamin Green, Washington, D. C., to William Thomas, May 10, 1849

Has received draft for $1,000 from Raleigh and enclosed letters from Mr. Brown also. The court failed to decide on Green motion for an injunction, and adjourned until Monday next: the difficulty is that the money is in the Treasury over which they have no jurisdiction. Peak's case to await decision of court. If we lose, intends to protest against the money being paid to everyone but you and if it goes against us, to have case referred to Attorney General as to whether you are entitled to rescue the money.

Article of Argument between William Thomas and Thomas Rosser, October 28, 1849

Setting forth arrangement by which if Thomas obtained the land granted in Treaty of 1817, he will pay Rosser ½ its value.

I.O.U. for 8¼¢, from Nick-O-Jack, to N. Blackburn, August 17, 1849

Attested by G. Mason

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Letters and Documents, 1850

Product of Agriculture, Seventh Census, 1850

Gives value of various crops and livestock. North Carolina: Cherokee, Haywood, Mason (Counties) South Carolina: Anderson and Pickens (Districts) Georgia: Habersham, Rabun, Union (Counties) Tennessee; Blount, Knox, Monroe (Counties)

Power of Attorney, March 13, 1850

One Harry Morins, part Cherokee, gives Thomas his power of Attorney. Swears that on May 23, 1835, he lived in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Certified by S. G. Mount, Justice of the Peace, Cherokee County and Drury Week, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter sessions.

Letter from B. H. Bixby, Anderson, Tennessee, to William H. Thomas, April 19, 1850

Reports of trip down Little Tennessee, discusses the construction of the railroad between Franklin and Knoxville, Tennessee, by his company. Also, the Blueridge Company in North Carolina. Ask opinion on Blueridge Company mortgage road in South Carolina and railroad construction in both states.

Number of establishments for manufacturing and mining, June 1, 1850

For counties in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee giving value. North Carolina: Cherokee, Haywood, Macon (Counties) South Carolina: Anderson, Pickens (Districts) Georgia: Habersham, Rabon, Union (Counties) Tennessee: Blount, Knox, Monroe (Counties) Gives: capital invested in real and personal estate in business value of raw material and fuel, average number of herds, male and female and average minimal cost of labor, value of annual product.

Contract from H. S. Potts, Waynesville, June 20, 1850

To make good debts to William Thomas in Excess of 1250, he transfers his interest in a contract made with Allen Fisher in a Negro woman named Carolina and her child, a boy of 5 (Henry), Thomas may either buy out Fisher's interest or sell his interest to Fisher. Witnessed by J. Vickers.

Qualla Town, Copy of Power of Attorney given to William Thomas by Cherokees, November 2, 1850

Undersigned--review history of Cherokee's associations with Thomas.

Certified statement of Joseph Keenen, Clerk of the County Court of Haywood formerly member of Worth County Legislature, December 2, 1850

Signed by Keenen and witnessed by H. Clingman. Certifies that while working as clerk for William Thomas, he under Thomas directed supplies to the Cherokees with farming implements which totaled over $12,000 and for which the Indians have been unable to pay.

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Letters and Documents, 1851

Letter from Charles Conrad, Secretary of War, to Thomas L. Clingman, House of Representatives, January 9, 1851

Sends with your request and yesterday copies of resolution and letter of his predecessor on report of Committee on Indian Affairs, January 2, 1839. Refers to a report Clingman wanted not on file in his office, most applies to the Development of Interior.

Power of Attorney, March 22, 1851

Cherokee Mason Barkley assigns William Thomas his power of attorney to press claim under act of July 29, 1848.

Letter from William Thomas, Washington, D. C., to Thomas Cowen, Secretary of the Treasury, April 28, 1851

Asking that the money await the Cherokees be paid, reviews his dealing and part on the claim's case as well as that of attorney Duff Green and his son Benjamin Green.

Letter from Charles Ellis, Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs, to William Thomas, Washington, D. C., July 5, 1851

Refers to letter from Thomas asking about aid for a missionary school at Qualla Town. Refers to the request saying that ample provision has been made for such education west of the Mississippi River and, if what the Cherokees have in North Carolina is not adequate, they can remove their appropriation for civilization of indians not applying to North Carolina indians.

William Thomas, Account Bank, August 4-5, 1851

Payment received from Cherokees, usually $6, interest where he had collected during 1849-50, witnessed by George Mason. (Receipts to Indians for Interest.)

Letter from A. H. Mitchell, Qualla Town, to William Thomas, August 13, 1851

Say to begin paying the endorser

Letter from William Thomas, Franklin, North Carolina, to J. G. Mount, Murphy, North Carolina, September 9, 1851

Anxious to have all land purchased for Cherokees value, includes a list.

Letter from William Thomas, Qualla Town, North Carolina, to Henry Smith and Tousend, New York, December 25, 1857

Reports government now engaged in paying off the indians.

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Letters and Documents, 1852

Record of William Thomas, from Account Bank, January 2, 1852

Concerning Cherokee claims funds due on the act of 1851. Totaled $68.50 for several indians.

Letter from William Thomas, Qualla Town, to John Stow, February 2, 1852

Reports sending $2,500 with Mr. Welch, specifies how it should be disposed of. Wants to make no purchases at this time.

Letter from Alfred Chapman, Office of Indian Affairs, to Luke Lea, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, February 7, 1852

Concerning the request by two Cherokees Ste-ko-ih and 96 of North Carolina who demanded that money paid by them to Johnson K. Rogers be returned. Claim no knowledge of the transaction directly but says he imprisoned on the Indian any money they gave Rogers would have to be of their own free will.

Letter from Jessie R. Silver, Franklin, North Carolina, to William Thomas, Qualla Town, North Carolina, February 23, 1852

Concerning the construction of the railroad in North and South Carolina. Reports favorable. Impressed by Ed Brown, Congressman for Greenville and North Carolina.

Letter from T. L. Clingman, House Representative, Washington, D. C., to William Thomas, May 23, 1852

Convinced North Carolina Cherokees could not have obtained the percentile distribution which they received under the treaty of 1846. Refers to Rogers and seems to feel that Thomas was behind the charges, also got Mangum and others to refuse to ratify it; even though Thomas made possible the Treaty of 1848.

Letter from J. D. Barnes, Civil Engineer, Engineer's Office, G. C. R. R., to William Thomas, October 18, 1852

Contains a report concerning the section of North Carolina through which the proposed section of the Central Railroad would probably pass.

Report, Fayetteville, November 15, 1852

Report of John Ecdes (?), Engineer, on the Center Plank Road (Fayetteville) and the Center Plank Road between Cape Fear and Perdee Region (Ecdes, the Engineer for Fayetteville and Central Plank Road Company, who was in charge of the project.)

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Letters and Documents, 1853

Letter from William H. Thomas, Washington, to H. Gourdin, Charleston, South Carolina, March 29, 1853

Concerns construction of railroad over mountains to west, discusses routes.

Bill of Sale, June 9, 1853

John R. Allmon of Clarke County, Georgia, sold to Joseph Reevys (?) of Jasper County, Georgia, tract no. 136 in the Fifth District, Cherokee County, North Carolina, for $1,200; follow terms of payment.

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Letters and Documents, 1855

Letter from George W. Murphy, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, to T. L. Clingman, House of Representatives, January 3, 1855

Reports the papers which Clingman requested concerning the right of North Carolina Indians to land west of the Mississippi. Cannot be found but recalls that William Thomas once showed him such a paper. On Back: T. J. Clingman to William Thomas--says he can't find said paper and if Thomas has them, would he forward them to Clingman at once.

Letter from William H. Thomas, Fort Montgomery, to George William Penny, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, July 17, 1855

Concerns a claim filed by Thomas in 1842 for the heirs of John Wayne with Board of Cherokee Commissioners, Asks about a treaty with western Cherokees for sale of 800,000 acres of lands west. Vagabond Indian living near Washington. Clingman informs him that the subject of removals has been referred to the Secretary of the Interior.

Letter from Governor Bragg, Executive Officer, Raleigh, North Carolina, to (?), September 26, 1855

States that with one or two exceptions the Cherokees do not have the rights and privileges of citizenship.

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Letters and Documents, 1856

Proof of payment by certain Cherokees, also copy of a letter from L. H. Smoot to Charles Ellis, September 6, 1856

banking House of Suter Lean and Co., concerns passage of bill for $5,000 with which Cherokees to be paid claims by Secretary of Interior.

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Letters and Documents, 1857

Letter from P. Clayton, 2nd Auditor, to William Meredith, Secretary of the Treasury (1844-1850), under President Z. Taylor, January 9, 1857

An opinion on the Act of Congress, July 29, 1848.

Letter from William Thomas, Raleigh., North Carolina, to Thomas Bragg, Governor of North Carolina, February 9, 1857

Asks for a copy of Bragg's letter to the Secretary of the Interior, concerning the indian reservation and of the resolution in favor of the town and reorganization as citizens. Asks concerning Act of 1783 from Bragg to Thomas dated April 2, 1857, also mentions that Bragg has not sent him the copy of the opinion of the Attorney General of the U. S. he had requested.

Letter, March 15, 1857

William Thomas needs certain information in the Office of Indian Affairs in Washington, D. C., for a trial in Haywood County, N. C., Swain before J. P. Samuel Grabb, J. P. for District of Columbia, signed by the Secretary of State, Daniel Webster, under Millard Fillmore, former V.P. under President Zackery Tayler.

Letter from Thomas Bragg, Governor, North Carolina, to William Thomas, April 2, 1857

Referring to resolution not mentioned in letter of 1826, which is enclosed. Bragg's opinion is that the indians should be allowed to remain.

Letter from William Thomas, Washington City, to Hon. Thomas Corwin, Secretary of Treasury, 1850-1853, under President Millard Fillmore, April 12, 1857

Concerns the government's suspension of payments upon power of attorney to the North Carolina Attorney of Cherokees order Act of July 29, 1848. Thomas claims they must have acted on false information from a few "vagabond indians" who are attempting to defraud their creditors. He is writing in defense of creditors.

Letter from I. G. R. Mount, Murphy, North Carolina, to William Thomas, Qualla Town, North Carolina, June 17, 1857

Doesn't know if be will present to order (court order) to Jesse Rassre as his son, Lever, was killed by lightening yesterday.

Letter from William T. Hodges, Acting Secretary of the Treasury, Treasury Department, to Col. A. M. Mitchell, Spiral Agent for Paying the Indians in N. C., July 17, 1851

Official Instructions

List of indian taxes paid in North Carolina for six towns, August 28, 1857

Letter from William Thomas, Washington, D. C. to Suitor Lean and Co., November 2, 1857

Concerning settlement made by Thomas for indians with Smith Howell and Co.

Letter from William Thomas, Washington City, to Secretary of Treasury, November 11, 1857

Copies of two acts of Congress passed in favor of the Cherokee claims dated July 29, 1843, and two decisions made by the Secretary of the Treasury's two predecessors.

Letter from William Thomas, Washington City, D. C., to P. Clayton, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, November 20, 1857

Requests copies of draft and endorsements of funds paid to Standing Wolf and other Cherokees for whom Thomas Acted as attorney

Treasury Warrants 8019-8023, November 21, 1857

dated September 1856, signed Secretary of the Treasury, Howell Cobb

Letter from James Taylor, Murphy, North Carolina, to William H. Thomas, November 21, 1857

Suggests Thomas call on S. S. Baxter. Reports he has had no dealings with Col. Williams, wishes Thomas to give Baxter all the information possible on the claims.

Letter from T. L. Clingman, House of Representatives, to Howell Cobb, December 2, 1857

Notes $15,000 due to the N. C. Cherokees, though $10,000, which is due representatives of the deceased was being held up, he requests that the rest be paid. It should be sent to Mr. Terrell, agent for the indians. Notes Terrell has security good for $100,000.

Census, 1857

List of deceased indians east of the Mississippi who have died since July 22, 1856, and entitled to interest on $53.33; interest computed up to July 29, 1857. Signed by James W. Terrell.

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Letters and Documents, 1858

Letter from I. Cooper, Adj. General, Washington D. C., to William Thomas, February 18, 1858

In reply to letter of the 8th refers to records of Cherokees who helped Thomas in capture Charley's Bank in 1838. Can't be found. If Thomas can furnish record of payments, another search can be made.

Letter from Howell Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury, to William Thomas, Washington, D. C., February 18, 1858

Letter accompanying enclosed warrants above. More states number of Warrants, and copies of the original drafts.

Warrants, February 17, 1858

Two copies of original warrants, #6460 and #6461, payable to James Rosser for Joseph T. Williams, signed by Secretary of Treasury, Howell Cobb.

Letter from William Thomas, Washington, D. C., to Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior (1857-1861) under President James Buchanan, March 1, 1858

Submitted with a petition from all members of Congress from North Carolina arguing that the Cherokees be allowed to remain in North Carolina.

Letter from William H. Thomas, Washington City, to Jacob Thompson, Secretary of Interior, 1857-1861, March 1, 1858

Argues that the Cherokees should be allowed to remain in North Carolina. Suggests that the evidence is sufficient to insure the indian remains in the state.

Letter from James W. Terrell, Indian Agent, Qualla Town, N.C., to Howell Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury, April 26, 1858

Notes the $4,000.00 which was sent him for the indian has not arrived. Has received no explanation from Howell's office, fears his mail has been watched. Will send 2 copies to insure their arrival by different means.

Letter from James W. Terrell, Qualla Town, to Samuel Casey, Treasury of the United States, April 27, 1858

Acknowledges the receipt of his letter of the 13th with duplicate drafts, Nos. 5060-5061, for $1,000 each. The originals have not come yet; therefore, he will use the duplicate.

Letter from A. K. Parris, Comptroller, Treasury Department, 2nd Comptroller's Office, to William M. Meredith, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C., July 29, 1858

Opinion on the Act of Congress, July 29, 1858

Letter from Robert Rose, Washington, D. C., to William H. Thomas, November 22, 1858

Will be unable to pay on the note which has fallen due until he wins a suit in Texas. Will be on west coast for the government until March or April.

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Letters and Documents, 1859

Letter from James Guthrie, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C., to James W. Terrell, Qualla Town, North Carolina, January 18, 1859

Acknowledges the receipt of his bond for the agent being sent to settle with the Cherokees.

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Letters and Documents, 1860

Note from S. Enloe, to William Thomas, N.D.

Note for $428 loan to Scroop Enloe by William Thomas.

Power of Attorney--Group Cherokee Indians to Tomas, April 4, 1860

Letter from A. B. Greenwood, Commissioner, Office of Indian Affairs, to William H. Thomas, President, May 15, 1860

Reply to Thomas requesting for copy of his letter to Secretary of Interior and Gov. Bragg, dated February 11, 1858. Also gives reason for the funds not being received.

Receipt to M_ (?) Leghorn for $700 amount of interest made on October, 1848, September 1, 1860

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Letters and Documents, 1861

IOU from John Otter to William H. Thomas, March 4, 1861

$1.62 "for the use of Alfred" (probably a slave).

Letter from William Medill, Comptroller for Treasury Department under Pres. Lincoln., to James W. Terrill, Qualla Town, N. C., March 4, 1861

Request how much of the money for the Cherokees has been disbursed and in areas visited by Terrill.

Letter from William H. Thomas, Murphy, N. C.,to S. G. R. Mount, March 20, 1861

Instructions on money owed Thomas

Letter from James W. Terrell, Qualla Town, to William Medill, 1st Comptroller, Washington, D. C., March 25, 1861

Gives information as to how much of government funds for Cherokees he has paid, location of Cherokees and difficulties encountered in completing payment.

Copy of the letter to William Medill, March 25, 1861

The letter as sent, Terrell to Medill, March 25, 1861

Letter from Matt R. Love, Raleigh, N. C., Camp Lee, to His Sister, June 20, 1861

Reports that his health is good, also Robert's and that of companions of Jackson and Haywood Companies. Robert promoted to Lt. Col. from Capt. His place filled by E. G. Johnson.

Letter from Robert Love, Manassas, Virginia, to His Sister, December 22, 1861

Reports his health is fine; David Reid died that day at 1 o'clock. Health of Jackson and Haywood Companies good. Reports on Health of friends and their present locations. Describes the countryside.

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Letters and Documents, 1863

Letter from May (?), to Her brother or sister, October 1, 1863

Tells of returning to Brandon after "Yankees left" of refugees and death of her brother.

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Letters and Documents, 1864

Letter from M. D. Brammer, Home, to Sister (Sarah?), January 12, 1864

Concerning the movement of the army, Morgan's corp camped at her place, lines static, expresses sorrow over the death of her father.

Letter from James W. Terrell, Carter Depot, Tenn., to Col. William H. Thomas, February 5, 1864

Unable to get a howlitzer and shoes in Raleigh, feels Thomas would have better luck in Asheville. Feelings are better in the East as many are deserting Holden, (N. C. unionists). Discusses the problem, payment of Indian troops, opposition of Gen. Jackson to payment, has Thomas's $100, wants to knew what he should do with it.

Letter from W. H. Parker, Charles (?), County District, to Col. William H. Thomas, March 15, 1864

Concerning charges made by Thomas against Parker apparently for misconduct concerning the effects of a dissaster (Sutton).

Receipt for $350 received by William H. Thomas from D. D. Davis, March 18, 1864

Letter from K. L. Simons, Capt., A. C. S., Anderson, N. C., to Col. William H. Thomas, Qualla Town, March 28, 1864

Check on Commercial Bank of Columbus was too late. Concerns supplies (food) purchased and families of his troops.

Letter from J. R. Love, Lt. Col., C. S. A., Carter's Station, Tenn., to Col. W. H. Thomas (Private), March 28, 1864

Concerns military situation in Western North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Fears that Western North Carolina cannot be held unless Thomas can do so with his troops.

Letter from W. H. Parker, P.A.C.S., Mouth of Tucaseege, to Love (?), April 16, 1864

Reports on the procedure and election of officers and organization of Capt. J. C. Berry's company as well as organization of a unit not attacked led by a man called Hicks.

Letter from John C. Taylor, Hicky Station, to Col. Wm. H. Thomas, April 19, 1864

Reports he is reorganizing his mounted unit, ask men be sent there by way of Morganton and for the use of three Cherokees to serve as couriers.

Letter from William Hicks, to Wm. Thomas, Qualla Town, May 26, 1864

Concerns supplies of flour and bacon which have failed to arrive, asks instructions.

Receipt from William H. Thomas to Merlin Kerr (?) and Eppy Everett for $2,436.88, Qualla Town, August 1, 1864

Indenture between James C. Alexander and Wm Thomas for $200 for certain tracts of land on the French Broad River to state of North Carolina, August 22, 1864

Letter from I. G. Silver, Asheville, N. C., to Col. John R. Palmer (Cundg?), Mountain District, N. C., September 6, 1864

Feels he is not obligated to opinion in Golsdboro, North Carolina, before court Martial in the case of William H. Thomas; adds that he has no information which would be helpful to the prosecution.

Statement of I. T. Silem (?) formerly of 65th WC Corps, September 16, 1864

States interest service July 14, 1862, resigned June 13, 1864, Reports that son of Col. Salks dismounted men, did joint Thomas's legion, but Thomas said he would not keep them.

Letter from W. C. MacDonald, Kington, to Col. Wm. Thomas, October 9, 1864

Concerns replacements, willing to exchange any of his men who want to stay in the mountains.

Letter from W. G. (S_pion(?)), Carr River, N. C., to Col. Wm. Thomas, October, 1864

Authorizing Thomas to buy land in Cherokee County, North Carolina

Letter from Henry Thomas, Asheville, North Carolina, to Mrs. Thomas, December 28, 1864

Prospect of exchanging fuel for printed cloth not favorable in Asheville, fall of Savannah will make price higher; contains a note from his mother.

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Letters and Documents, 1865

Letter from Carolina B. King, Sevier Co., Tenn, to Dr. John Millsapps, August 25, 1865

Request payment for goods she claimed were taken by troops of Thomas's on January 13, 1864. Included a document listing things taken of value. Witnessed by George Rimel, J. P. Sevier Co., Tenn.

Letter from William Thomas, Qualla Town, to Citizens of Sevier Co., Tenn., October 4, 1865

Notes that he will remove the blockade as far as the Mouth of the Alurn (?) Fork, if the people of the county will repair the wagon road, he will open it next week.

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Letters and Documents, 1866

Letter from A. R. Cormack (At Home?), to Col. Wm. H. Thomas, January 15, 1866

Reports that Dr. Pattern, of Knoxville, has moved to Alabama, mentions arrangements between Patten and Thomas not specified. Hopes Thomas can pay for the salt he purchased soon. Most of Thomas's goods were in possession of Wade family; Thomas's sofa was taken by agents as of abandoned revel property. His eldest child died since last letter.

Letter from (?), Bristol, Tenn., to Col. Wm H. Thomas, January 16, 1866

Would have written sooner but for uncertainty about the mail. Reports he is clerking in a store for $65 per month and discusses his prospects. Local people detest the idea of taking orders from Negro troops, suffrage, and Negroes testifying in court. Wade family (Union sympathizers) growing wealthy, bought several houses of late. Apparently turning in neighbors to authorities for violation of the law to get confiscated property.

Letter from James Q. Love, Raleigh, N. C., to William H. Thomas, June 6, 1866

Concerns his oath and amnesty, advises that he speed the process as quickly as possible, delay will do no good and it might do much harm.

Letter from John H. White Washington City, to W. J. Dutch, Greensboro, N. C. (?), August 11, 1866

Concerns the obtaining a pardon from U. S. Government. Mentions that he has obtained a pardon for Wm. H. Jackson of Jackson Co. Send reply to C. S. Wheeler, 3rd Auditor's Office.

Letter from John H. Wheeler, Washington, to Col. Wm. H. Thomas, Qualla Town, N. C., August 13, 1866

Reports that mutual friend, Thomas T. Clingman, has requested that he use his influence to gain a pardon for Thomas. Requests the necessary information and material. Notes Thomas an alternate delegate to Philadelphia Convention. Suggests they meet at this time. Send stall c/o C. L. Wheeler, 3rd Auditor's Office.

William H. Thomas mortgage on 690 acres of land in Macon Co., from J. T. Lewis and brother, September 15, 1866

Receipt given by Wm. Thomas to W. Jackary (?) for $107.88 on debt, September 25, 1866

Letter from Secretary of the Treasury, Treasury Department, to R. J. Powell, Special Agent, October 30, 1866

Orders to go to North Carolina and investigate Cherokee Indians who remained there under treaty of 23 May, 1836.

Memorial from signed Cherokees of Qualla Town to General Assembly, North Carolina, December 24, 1866

Thanking for all so far and asking for the construction of a "Cherokee Orphan Asylum" near Qualla Town, 100 acres at least with manual labor school, witnessed James W. Terrell and J. B. Sherrill.

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Letters and Documents, 1867

Act which authorized certain Cherokees to remain in North Carolina, signed by R. W. Best, Secretary of State. Raleigh, N. C., January 19, 1867

Certificate attached dated January 21, 1861, signed by R. W. Best, Secretary of State, and Jonathan Worth, Governor and William H. Bagley, private secretary of Governor of North Carolina

Receipt of Col. William H. Thomas for $126.25 from Wm Bumgarner, Sheriff of Jackson Co., $26.25 to be settled on his taxes for loans, etc., February 25, 1867

Letter from Edward C. Hasher, I. Asylum (?), to James R. Love, Waynesville, March 30, 1867

Reports the condition of W.H. Thomas has much improved, now able to converse clearly on all subjects.

Letter from Elizabeth Dodge, Williamsborg (?), to Her son, residence not given, June 10, 1867

Expresses hope he will be home from military service by June.

Justice of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Cherokee County, June 12, 1867

Notes that as Coahula has died without will, Samuel P. Sherrill is empowered to dispose of his estate in payment of his debts. Signed Drury Wells, Clerk of Court.

Copy of order to Supreme Court of North Carolina in case of David P. Adams vs. Wm. H. Thomas, June, 1867

Finds for the plaintiff, Adams, and states he is entitled to certain land on Adams's Creek in Haywood County, for which Thomas charged $507 signed B. Freeman, Clerk.

Letter from Wm. Thomas, to M. C. Carr, October 12, 1867

Transfer of land title for land known as Parks land in return for services rendered. Attested Eppy Everett.

Receipt for $50 from Wm. H. Thomas to John Gibbs, October 14, 1867

Deed to tract of land called Turkey Tract, made to Wm. H. Thomas for $300, attested Eppy Everett, signed M._ (?) Carr., November 1, 1867

Tax receipt by Wm. H. Thomas for Indian taxes, $47.50, undated

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Letters and Documents, 1868

Copy of decree of North Carolina Supreme Court, Signed E. B. Freeman Clerk Case of David P. Adams, vs. Wm. H. Thomas, January, 1868

rules against Thomas. Court orders Thomas to pay Adams $1,271.47 of which $688.40 is the principal of a loan to Thomas.

Letter from Cherokee Delegation, Washington, D. C., to "All Cherokees east of the Mississippi River in the U. S.", February 24, 1868

Advises eastern Cherokees to move to the Indian territory

Letter from S. S. Ashley, Secretary of the Board of Education, Raleigh, N. C., to James W. Lovel, Commissioner of Jackson Co., Qualla Town N. C., October 30, 1868

Concerns the Indian school. Requests that a census of all Indian children between the ages of 6 and 21 be taken.

Letter from Cherokees, Qualla Town, Jackson Co., N. C., to Western Cherokees, Cherokee Nation, November 15, 1868 Access Online

Opposes any attempt to cede land and move West.

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Letters and Documents, 1869

Letter from William H. Thomas, Asheville, N. C., to Capt. Swetland, Washington, D. C., January 14, 1869

John E. Poole, U. S. Senator for North Carolina and Cherokees had been furnished with an explanation of the claims which it is desirable to embrace in a proposed treaty with the Cherokees.

Letter from John Ross (Chief of Cherokees), to Edward P. Smith, Commissioner of Indian Affairs in Tenn., undated

Requesting that the Eastern Cherokees get their proper share of any land sold by the Cherokee Nation in the West of which they have a right.

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Letters and Documents, 1874

Order from the Court of Arbitration, Western District of North Carolina to the U. S. Marshall of said District (Signed Rufus Barringer, Chairman), September 2, 1874

To order Wm. H. Thomas, Jr., to bring all his father's books dealing with Eastern Cherokees from 1831--present to that court. To be used as evidence in a suit of the Eastern Cherokees in a suite against said Thomas and others

Memorial from 30 Cherokees representing the Cherokees of N. C., to President of the United States, October 7, 1874

Requesting aid, they are in a state of poverty from the late war as well as due to the misfortune and "mental aberration of their agent Wm. H. Thomas in whom they had trusted and in whose control and management of all their financial affairs and estates for more that 40 years "ask help against those seeking to move them to the West, claim they do not represent the Cherokee people also ask for the establishment of schools.

Letter from Thomas M. (Buir?), Cherokee, N. C., to R. B. Glenn, Winston, N. C., March 18, 1895

Superintendent of Indian School Service, Department of the Interior, warns against the efforts of the Waynesville ring to cheat the Indians out of some timber land. They propose giving the Council of sixteen men the power to "sell all they have and make contracts, and nothing but wholesale robberies." Not only will Boyd and E_ (?) profit, but Mr. Smathers, who originated the bill, will profit from the large fee which the Indians have been told they must agree and that this bill could prove ruinous to the indians. Certified as real copy by Jerome A. Comer, Chief of Federal Records Center (October 6, 1955).

 

2. Miscellaneous
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Request box
1	30	The New Echota Treaty, December 29, 1835 (Typed copy, A.D.)
			admits that the Cherokees are entitled to an equal share of the lands of the Cherokee Nation of Indian proportional to their number. Provides for census; Concerning settlement with William Johnston, for business transacted between June 12, 1840, and March 4, 1868.
1	30	Certificate from John H. Wheeler, to (?) probably Thomas, undated
			Informing that pardon has been obtained on front. S. G. Ward
1	30	Indian note in Cherokee script, 1853
1	30	Copy of Lord's Prayer and the Alphabet, undated
1	30	Letter from James W. Terrell, to Second Auditor, January 30, 1861
			Concerns payment not made to Wm. H. Thomas and Green & Sons, by an attorney who drew money for the indians in payment and sent for the Sandtown Cherokees, charged them 10% and never paid Thomas, Green & Son. Case involved setting apart $53.33 per Cherokee and was settled about July 28, 1848.
1	30	Ledger page, undated (A.D.)
			listing land purchased from 1832-1851, gives number of acres, cost, date of purchase.
1	30	Agreement between Cherokees who have emigrated west of the Mississippi or plan to emigrate and W. H. Thomas, who represents the Eastern Cherokees, concerning the rights and privilages of the emigres, undated (Typed copy)
			Signed by Wm. H. Thomas and 11 others, attested by Joseph A. Foreman.
box	item
Request box
2	1	Carved Rock Indian Head

 

3. Printed Material

box

folder

Request box

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1840s

N. C. Senate Document No. 8 (Raleigh), W. R. Gales, Printer to the Legislature, 1846

"A Bill to Provide for the Sale of Certain Lands in Macon and Cherokee Counties, which have been surrendered to the State." Concerns lands to secure the debts due from Cherokees.

N. C. Senate Document No. 5 (Raleigh Seat on Gales, Printer for the State), 1848

"A Bill to Provide Relief for the purchase of the Cherokee Lands at the Sale of 1838 and to secure a portion of the Debt Due the State." Concerns resale of indians' lands sold in 1838 bur surrendered back to the State because the purchasers were unable to pay for them." Attached Report of the Joint Select Committee on Cherokee lands.

Executive Document No. 11

"Communication from the Comptroller (Wm. F. Collins) Gives amount due on Cherokee Bonds taken at the sale of 1838 (exclusive of the bonds taken at the surrendered lands)--what amount of money has been paid into the Treasury on account of the sale of Cherokee lands in 1838.

Attached, Senate Bill, to amend the revised statutes, entitled Courts of equity, December 18, 1844

Act, August 6, 1846

To provide for the better organization of the Treasury, and for the collection, safe-keeping, transfer, and disbursement of the public revenue (U. S. Congress, approved, August 6, 1846).

Letter from William H. Thomas, to People of Senatorial District, embracing the counties of Haywood, Macon, and Cherokee, N. C., July 22, 1846

Giving his views on pertinent issues which might bear on his election to state legislature.

Letter from War Department, Office of Indian Affairs (Circular), to William H. Thomas, Qualla Town, N. C. (From Wm. Medill?), July, 1847

Asks that certain guarantees enclosed (but not included in collection) concerning the Indian tribes of U. S. be answered to be used in the formulation of a "history, present condition, and future prospects of the indian tribes of the United States." Note inside sent with report of Mr. Schoolcraft asking for information on North Carolina Cherokees and if possible South Carolina Catawbas.

"Argument of Thomas and Baxter in favor of paying the susbended interest under the Act of July 29, 1848." Washington: G. S. Gideon, printer, N.D., probably 1848, May 18, 1848

Legislature of North Carolina in Senate, December 18, 1844

Copy (printed) of bill on the securing of debts due for Cherokee lands, and to facilitate their collection.

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1850s

To Col. A. M. Mitchell, Washington, D. C., July 14, 1851

Give a copy of William T. Hodge, Acting Secretary of the Treasury, to Col. Mitchell.

"Explanations of the rights of the North Carolina Cherokee Indians submitted to the Attorney General of the United States," by William H. Thomas (Washington City), 1851

A relatively detailed history of the efforts of the Cherokees to obtain land in North Carolina with some comments as to the sale of William Thomas.

34th Congress, 3rd Session, House of Representatives, Report No. 204, February 13, 1857

Report by Mr. Todd from the Committee on Indian Affairs, made the report on Cherokee Reservations. Concerns reservation claims.

Catalogues of Wercer and Manahan, importers and jobbers of combs, buttons, and fancy goods. (Baltimore: Printing Office, Soniron Building), 1853

William H. Thomas; Explanations of the Fund held in trust by the United States for the North Carolina Cherokees (Washington: Lemuel Towers), 1858

Concerns payment of the trust fund held by the U. S. government for the North Carolina Cherokees accompanied by a review of the history of the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina in relation to the formation as a permanent hose for those Indians who did not wish to go west. (Signed but not dated by Thomas).

Document No. 75. Report of the Judiciary Committee on the North Carolina Cherokees (Raleigh: Holden and Wilson, printers of the State), 1859

1. Contains a review of North Carolina Cherokee Treaties of 1783 and 1835-36.2. Contains a review of Government policy changes toward the indians. Concludes that under original treaty, Cherokees were (1) guaranteed North Carolina land as a permanent home and (2) right to become U. S. citizens. Written by William H. Thomas, autographed copy presented by William H. Thomas to Martha Gibson.

House of Representatives Report No. 632 (May 18, 1848) from the Committee on Indian Affairs from William Thomas, to Howell Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury, August 29, 1859

From Albion K. Parris, Comptroller, to W. H. Meredith, Secretary of the Treasury (January 12, 1850), August 26, 1859

From P. G. Washington, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C., to Howell Cobb, September 8, 1859

Opinion of Mr. Thomas's letter from S. S. Baxter, to Congress, September 7, 1859

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1860s

Senate Resolution No. 5, Session (North Carolina Senate), 1860-1861

Introduced by W. H. Thomas of Jackson (John Spelman, Printer to the State) Protested action of the Republicans who he claimed produced the causes which make war inevitable. Federal government has no power to wage war on the state; North Carolina ought not and cannot submit to the administration of the Federal Government under Lincoln; Calls for Lincoln's Resignation; governors of the states be furnished copies of this resolution.

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1870

41st Congress, 2nd Session, M.S. Document No. 148, U. S. Senate, 1870

Letter of the Secretary of the Interior, J. D. Cox, to the Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs (James Harlan)

 

4. Newspaper Clippings
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1	35	Asheville Citizen-Times, Asheville, North Carolina, April 17, 1955
			Concerns history of Cherokee Council fire.
1	35	Bernice McCullar, "John Ross of 'Trail of Trees' Had Colorful Life in the State," Atlanta Constitution or Journal, N.D., or page from "Georgia's Notebook", undated
			Short biography of John Ross, Cherokee Chief on immigration in Oklahoma.
1	35	"Georgia Notebook," Bernice McCullar, "Daring of a Single Man Helped Keep Indians in Line.", undated
			Narrative of the background behind Cherokee treaty with British signed April 3, 1730 and relationship of Cherokee Chief Moytoy and Sir Alexander Cumming of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Atlanta Constitution or Journal
1	35	Sale by Callan, Georgia--June 26, 1966, 1966 (2 copies)
			Concerns history of New Echota and the Early Cherokees.
1	35	Dateline Washington, D. C., undated
			Concerns plans of Oklahoma Cherokees for "$2 million program of social and economic benefits for tribal members."
1	35	Asheville, North Carolina (?), undated
			Contains brief biography of Thomas, with much information not found in any of the pepers we have, especially relating to his early life before he took up the cause of the Cherokees' land. Contains photo of Thomas's portrait. March 12, 1955, by John Parris.
1	35	Two copies of the same article but apparently from different paper by 2nd. (January 29, 1955), undated
1	35	Article (V.P.I.) paper--by Merriam Smith, undated
			Contains paid Lydon B. Johnson's call for $500 million civil rights program for the indians.
1	35	Bill inproduced in U. S. House of Representatives, undated
			Roy A. Taylor to convey 22 acres of land to Cherokees (Eastern). The land had been acquired by the federal government in 1897 for $600 and new worth $28,422.
1	36	Power of Attorney from North Carolina Cherokee Chiefs and Heardsmen [photocopy], October 24, 1857
			Appoints William H. Thomas their attorney to go to D. C. and handle claims for 640 acres of land against U. S. Government. Certified by Justice of the Peace J. B. Sherrill, who was certified as a Justice of the Peace by T. L. (?)Clingman. Contains also a map of Qualla Town Indian Reserve